A Young Innovator’s Vision for the Homeless
Rebecca Young, a 12-year-old student from Glasgow, has captured the attention of many with her remarkable invention: a solar-powered heated blanket integrated into a backpack designed to assist the homeless. Her creation earned her the prestigious MacRobert Commendation Medal after she won the UK’s national Primary Engineer competition, which attracted over 70,000 participants. Rebecca’s project highlights the power of young minds to address pressing social issues.
A Project with Social Impact
Rebecca’s idea was inspired by her observations of the difficult living conditions faced by people sleeping on the streets of Glasgow. As part of the competition, students were encouraged to design solutions to real-world problems, and Rebecca chose to focus on homelessness—a topic she felt was both urgent and tangible. She spent time researching existing products such as sleeping bags and backpacks to develop a hybrid solution that would be practical and beneficial.
From Concept to Reality
The originality and relevance of Rebecca’s idea caught the attention of Thales, an engineering company that partnered with the competition. Based on her detailed plans, Thales developed a prototype of the device. The final model, showcased at her school, features several key components:
- A heating blanket made from copper wires
- A flexible structure that makes it easy to carry
- Integrated solar panels to provide power
Rebecca expressed her excitement upon seeing her concept take shape: “Seeing my drawing become a real object is incredible. I never thought this would happen,” she shared.
A Future in STEM
Beyond her passion for music—Rebecca plays drums in a band—she is now considering a career in science, technology, and engineering (STEM). This experience has opened new doors for her, allowing her to present her work at various events, including the University of Glasgow, Barony Hall, and the University of Strathclyde.
Her teacher, Leigh Goldie, who supported her at Kelvinside Academy’s Innovation School, praised Rebecca’s approach: “Rebecca was able to combine creativity and compassion to address a real-world problem. She embodies what we strive to develop in our students: the ability to imagine meaningful solutions.”
What Comes Next?
According to Thales, the prototype could be further developed and potentially patented in the future. The company hopes that this innovation will lead to a usable version that can be deployed in the field. They also plan to continue engaging with young talent, recognizing the potential of fresh ideas from the next generation.
A Reminder of the Power of Youth
Rebecca Young’s journey demonstrates that innovation knows no age. At just 12 years old, she used technology to foster solidarity and remind others that great ideas can stem from simple observation and a deep sense of empathy. Her initiative serves as an inspiration for other young people eager to make a difference in the world.
